ANTM Picks a Winner

Despite the fact that bloggers are in a tizzy that she looks like a drag queen (we are a little embarassed to say we agree), Jaslene Gonzales, an online college admissions adviser from Chicago, was crowned the winner of the eighth cycle of The CW’s hit reality series “America’s Next Top Model.”



The three remaining models participated in a national photo shoot for CoverGirl’s Lipshine Lip Color and a “My Life as a CoverGirl” commercial. Cycle seven winner, CariDee, surprised the girls for some coaching during the final stage of the competition and the next day, the finalists faced the judges for the 11th elimination. While the judges were pleased with all of the girls’ performances in the commercial, they were especially impressed with Jaslene for incorporating her Latin heritage. Natasha continued to impress the judges with her ability to use the constructive criticism to improve from week to week. The judges decided that while Renee takes gorgeous photos, her look is not as fresh and young as the others, thus eliminating Renee from the competition.



The next day, Jaslene and Natasha met with Seventeen Magazine Entertainment Director, Carissa Rosenberg for their cover photo shoot. Emotions ran high as the girls began to realize that only one of them would end up as the cover of the magazine.



The following day, Jaslene and Natasha faced off in an unconventional runway fashion show with the theme “Evolution,” for Australian designers Sass & Bide, where they progressed from early women to high fashion runway models. The judges agreed that while Natasha’s performance started out strong, it grew weaker throughout the challenge. Meanwhile, Jaslene grew fiercer as the runway show progressed. After the fashion show, Jaslene said, “I think I bring a fierceness on the runway. I’m the Latin spice here. I bring some extra flavor. I’m not your girl next door.”



During the final elimination, the judges considered the runway performances from the final runway challenge, as well as each girl’s portfolio and their overall performance throughout the competition. While the judges felt that Natasha has beautiful features, Jaslene’s consistently strong photos and passion for modeling gave her the edge in the competition. “I didn’t make it the first time, but now look at me. I’m America’s Next Top Model. I’m a Cover Girl! And I think that shows all young women that if you have that drive – keep going, you can make it,” Jaslene said after Tyra announced that she had become “America’s Next Top Model.”



In addition to a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, this year’s prize package for the winner of The CW’s “America’s Next Top Model” will include a contract with Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.



The eighth cycle of the hit reality series “America’s Next Top Model” on The CW follows 13 young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress world of modeling. Banks, who created the show, also serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok (“Making the Band”) and Anthony Dominici (“The Amazing Race”).



“America’s Next Top Model” airs Wednesdays, (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on The CW. For more information about “America’s Next Top Model” log on to www.cwtv.com.


BeansTalk Note: We watched two seasons of this show (not in a row, though). We watched Cycle 6 (Joanie SO should’ve won over Danielle) and a VH1 marathon of Cycle 1 (Adrienne aka Mrs. Peter Brady Curry won.) When we watched, we kept telling people that if you have a daughter, this really isn’t the show for you to allow her to watch. The judging is selective and, as it has been proven, rarely right. Elyse Sewell, who came in “third” in the first season was amazingly looking and may be considered the show’s most successful working model. Check her out (http://elysesewell.livejournal.com/) she was extremely intelligent and gorgeous, an almost unfair package of near perfection. We interviewed her for a story that our day job never ran, and were still impressed with her at the end of the interview. She travels extensively modeling.

Elyse Sewell, best of ANTM

Coming Soon to BBC America

BBC AMERICA serves up a daily dose of must-see drama with a regular week night visit to the fictional suburb of Hollyoaks. Hollyoaks airs Monday-Friday at 10:30 p.m. premiering Monday, June 4 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.



Before the first episode, members of the cast introduce characters and storylines in a special introductory show that takes viewers on a guided tour of Hollyoaks. Hollyoaks: The Story So Far premieres on Sunday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT and encores Monday, June 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.



Fast paced and issue-based, this gripping drama focuses on the lives and loves of a group of students who attend Hollyoaks Community College (HCC). The show blends light-hearted storylines that capture the spirit and excitement of being young while embracing serious issues – from teenage pregnancy to dating disasters - that are a part of teen life.



Hollyoaks has been a hit drama for a decade in the UK. BBC AMERICA picks up the story in the build-up to a pivotal plot point in which escaped convict Sam Owen, who was convicted of date rape, wreaks his revenge on Hollyoaks by inflicting death and destruction at the local pub, The Dog.



In the first episode we meet new students Will, Kris and Zoë who have just arrived at HCC as well as Jess, Olivia and Joe who are already living in the dorms. Kris, Joe, Zoë and Olivia will all be at The Dog when Sam holds them hostage.



Meanwhile, Sam’s brother Russ is trying to get on with his life following Sam’s conviction. He’s returning to HCC to study for a Masters and he’s got a new girlfriend, Sophie, although it seems like he still holds a candle for his ex, Mercedes.



Becca, a married teacher at Hollyoaks, is pregnant. She’s been having an affair with one of her former students, Justin. He’s spending time with his sisters, Mel and Sophie, talking about how he feels when the baby arrives… if it is his baby.



These stories continue to develop in the lead up to the devastating fire at The Dog, an event that will leave a scar on the face of Hollyoaks for years to come. In the ensuing episodes, the community will rally round to help the survivors and life goes on bringing with it a whole new set of problems and dramas for its inhabitants.



Amy has to deal with an unexpected pregnancy, Hannah’s pursuit of John-Paul leaves her constantly disappointed and she turns to food for comfort, school teacher Becca faces a jail sentence for her affair with ex-pupil Justin, and Clare and Max tie the knot - though it seems Clare might have an ulterior motive?



Looking further ahead, there’s more exciting drama in the pipeline. With powerful performances, great writing, award-winning storylines and beautiful people, Hollyoaks has something for everyone.

Grey’s Anatomy actress Sara Ramirez stepped out at the ABC Upfront Presentation wearing a cocktail dress by Tadashi. The stunning Latina showed off her curves in a black ruched V-neck off the shoulder dress. Established in 1982 by designer, owner and President Tadashi Shoji, the Los Angeles-based company has become widely recognized for its original designs and innovative collections. Celebrity fans include Debra Messing, Emmy Rossum, Kate Walsh, and more. Ramirez, one of the stars of 'Grey's Anatomy' poses for photographers on the red carpet during the arrivals of ABC's 2007-2008 preview in New York, Tuesday, May 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Stunning red head actress Kate Walsh was red-carpet ready at The ABC Upfront Presentation while wearing Catherine Malandrino. Walsh announced her engagement (after a very quick courtship) to Alex Young, a 20th Century Fox movie executive. The Grey's Anatomy star selected to wear a blanc diamond cutout halter dress from the Catherine Malandrino Spring/Summer 2007 collection. Walsh, star of 'Private Practice' poses for photographers on the red carpet during the arrivals of ABC's 2007-2008 preview in New York, Tuesday, May 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Georgia Rule star Felicity Huffman made an appearance with her co-stars at the ABC Upfront presentation today wearing a dress by Desperate HousewivesKenneth Cole New York. The actress selected a curve-hugging orchid-colored spun silk twist front pencil dress. uffman, star of 'Desperate Housewives' poses for photographers on the red carpet during the arrivals of ABC's 2007-2008 preview in New York, Tuesday, May 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Lyric Culture Rocks the Avalon

by Andrea Goodwin, associate editor (agoodwin@beanstalkbiz.com)

You say you want a revolution? Lyric Culture hosts launch party featuring runway show and special performance by three time Grammy Award winning artist Fergie at Avalon Hollywood.

Lyric Culture, a premium rock n' roll lifestyle brand, celebrated its official launch at historical Hollywood night spot Avalon - Thursday, May 10th at 7 pm. Actually, many native Angelinos likely remember the Avalon as the Palace, back in the day. The Beatles played their first west coast club date there in the 60's. Last Thursday, BeansTalk was in attendance, covering the exclusive evening, which featured a runway presentation of Lyric Culture's debut collection, 'Lyric Culture: Revolution', as well as a special 60-minute performance by multi-platinum, three time Grammy Award winner Fergie. Guests were treated to appetizers from LA’s Chocolat restaurant and drinks from Heineken, Ecstasy, Trago tequila, Marani premium vodka and Steaz energy drink.

The intimate concert was a thrill for the lucky crowd of about 250, especially in light of the disclosure by Miss Fergalicious herself, that this event was, “only the second one-hour show she has ever performed as a solo artist.” She certainly was in top form both vocally and physically as she belted out tunes from Heart such as “Baracuda” as well as pulsating and gyrating versions of her own “London Bridge” and “My Humps.” She dedicated her latest hit “Glamorous” to the fashion devotees and “powerful women” in the crowd. Surprisingly, Fergie was dressed casually in slim black denim pedal pushers, black pat flats, and a simple black blouse for most of the evening, but perhaps this attire was planned so that she do acrobatic one-handed walk-overs while singing!

Lyric Culture is a lyric-inspired clothing company that embodies the words of legendary artists such as The Beatles, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac and many others on denim, leather jackets, shorts, skirts, corsets, tee shirts and belt buckles. The debut collection titled 'Lyric Culture: Revolution' is dedicated to music created during the late 60s and early 70s, a period ripe with the realization that music could inspire social change. "From the moment psychedelia took hold in the summer of 1967 through peace demonstrations, free love and the anti-establishment culture, the artists of the revolution wrote songs to reflect a time where rebellion and love could co-exist. The depth and power of their music was an incredible source of inspiration for our Revolution Collection," says Hanna, President and Designer of Lyric Culture.


The runway show, styled by celebrity stylist Tanya Gill, featured looks from the retail collection, as well as special one-of-a-kind pieces, designed specifically for the runway. BeansTalk especially enjoyed the nod to the Glam-rock era of David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust. The models wore silver and gold lips and airbrushed fuscia and yellow eye make-up to complement the black licorice jeans, vintage tees, sexy leather vests, and patent hot pants. The crowd was also very enthusiastic about the “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” segment, as it featured a beautiful model wearing little more than a psychedelic tie-dyed mini and a Swarovski crystalized diamond bra. Let’s see now, can we really call what she modeled a “bra?” BeansTalk thinks not. Remember Demi Moore’s glued on sequins in “Striptease?” Well, this “bra” made that one look like body armor. It was very beautiful, actually. As this staffer was telling her companion that night, “Hey, if you have a beautiful body like that. You should be naked.”




Hanna, a musician and lyricist in her own right, created Lyric Culture as an answer to the recent changes in the music industry. "As a singer-songwriter and recording artist myself, I was always searching for innovative revenue streams for musicians. You can't make money in the music industry just by cutting an album anymore," says Hanna. The industry's response to the new brand has been positive - Lyric Culture has licensing deals with the largest music companies in the world including Warner Chappell, Universal Music Publishing, EMI, Sony/ATV,BMG, Chrysalis and more. The line is favored by celebrities including Kelly Clarkson, Elletra Rossellini, Cuba Gooding Jr., Molly Sims, Hilary Duff and Rock Star's Brooke Burke.

Celebrity fans, including Brittney Snow, Tracey Edmonds, Melody Thornton of the Pussycat Dolls, Rachel Hunter, and Sophia Bush came out to celebrate the brand’s official launch, could also be seen strolling the red carpet wearing Lyric Culture.

Lyric Culture is available at high-end boutiques and department stores such as Lisa Kline and Saks Fifth Avenue
Visit www.LyricCulture.com

Hot Togs!

Cropped Metallic Jackets: A Season Must-Have!

Alvin Valley Metallic Cropped Jacket
Price: $384.00
• Silver linen.
• Round neckline; double-breasted button front.
• Gathered, yoked bust with button detail.
• Pleated side pockets; ties in back.
• Elbow sleeves with drawstring cuffs.
• 100% linen.
• Made in USA.
• Dry clean only.

Rozae Nichols Metallic Cropped Jacket
Price: $825.00
Metallic Cropped Jacket & Cami

Precious metals—a sweet cropped jacket is the perfect way to show-off this sexy golden top.

• Metallic Cropped Jacket: Silver. Ruched V neckline with tonal ribbon trim; tie closure. Three-quarter sleeves. 63% cotton, 22% paper, 8% polyester, 7% aluminum. Dry clean only.
• Metallic Cami: See without jacket below. A semi-sheer style in gold. V neckline; seamed bust. 100% cotton. Hand wash.

Mint Cropped Jacket
Price: $445.00
Crop in: the jacket gets a fresh new look for Spring.

• Cropped Jacket: Glistening Style. Portrait collar; one-button closure. Front welt pockets. Elbow sleeves. 53% linen, 45% cotton, 2% polyurethane.
• Silk Top: New Date Style. 100% silk.

Both, sand. Dry clean only. Imported.

Excess Baggage: Hot Handbags at High Prices

Isabella Fiore Knightrider Britta Shoulder Bag
Price: $695.00
• "Knightrider Britta" style.
• Choose blue or black leather.
• Gold-tone hardware and studs.
• Buckled top handles; matching fleur-de-lis ID tag.
• Zip top.
• Woven body with scalloped trim.
• 11"H x 19"W x 4"D.

Isabella Fiore
Paisley Frame Satchel
Price: $725.00
Paisley and leather make a hip pairing on this classic shape.
• "Kelsey" style.
• Black leather.
• Ivory/black paisley cutout front.
• Anitqued brass hardware.
• Top handles with rings; detachable heart and paisley charms.
• Framed top with extended tab and turn-lock closure.
• Inside: three pockets and one zip compartment.
• Cotton lining.
• 12"H x 18"W x 7"D.
• Imported.

Jimmy Choo Tam Mesh Tote
Price: $3,450.00
• Silver-tone metal mesh with metallic silver leather trim.
• Silver-tone hardware and stud trim.
• Shoulder strap with rings.
• Extended tab with buckled closure.
• Made in Italy.

Isabella Fiore Molly Celtic Hobo
Price: $625.00
• Molly Style.
• Choose black (shown) or brown woven leather.
• Studded leather trim with scalloped edges.
• Gold-tone hardware and studs.
• Shoulder strap with rings; slouched zip top.

Henry Beguelin
Melbourne Satchel
Price: $1,295.00
• Cacao (light brown) soft leather with brown leather trim.
• Golden hardware.
• Shoulder strap with rings.
• Top flap with extended tab and keeper.
• Side flap pockets with extended tab closures.
• Made in Italy.

Frye Vintage Leather Shoulder Bag
Price: $595.00
• Dark brown leather.
• Gold-tone hardware.
• Shoulder straps with rings and studs.
• Open top; extended tab closure.
• Belted gussets.

Chloe
Paddington Tall Satchel
Price: $1,800.00
• Paddington Style.
• Dark brown double-washed calfskin.
• Brass and nickel hardware.
• Shoulder straps with rings; key charm.
• Zip top with signature padlock.
• Buckled straps.
• Side flap pockets.
• Made in Italy.

Chloe
Medium Paddington Tote
Price: $1,585.00
Lock in—a coveted tote in classic hues.

• Paddington Style.
• Choose black (shown) or white (see below) leather.
• Gold-tone hardware.
• Adjustable shoulder strap with rings and key tag; 12" drop.
• Open top.
• Buckled straps on inverted gussets.
• Front zip pockets with signature padlock; slide pocket.
• Back zip and slide pockets.
• Cotton lining.
• Inside: two zip pockets.
• Metal feet protect base of bag.
• 12"H x 11 1/2"W x 5"D: adjustable depth by 1".
• Made in Italy.

Nancy Gonzalez
Ruched Crocodile Satchel
Price: $3,450.00
• Choose black (shown) or cream Caiman Fuscus crocodile.
• Ruched body.
• Shoulder strap with rings; drawstring sides.
• Suede lining.
• Inside pockets.
• 9"H x 13 1/4"W x 5 1/4"D.
• Made in Colombia.

Yves Saint Laurent Metallic Tote
Price: $1,595.00
• From the Downtown Collection.
• Metallic silver leather.
• Silver-tone hardware.
• Top handles with rings; zip top.
• Front pocket compartment with zippers.
• Front buckle strap detail.
• Made in Italy.

New Shoes: What We're Admiring

Yves Saint Laurent Wedge Sandal

• Choose tan or black leather.
• Gold-tone hardware.
• Crisscross upper.
• Ankle strap with buckle.
• Platform sole.
• Wedge heel.
• Made in Italy. $660, Neiman Marcus

Elie Tahari Marley Leather Wedge

• Black leather with contrast topstitching.
• Crisscross upper.
• Open toe.
• Ankle strap with golden buckle.
• Metallic gold napa leather insole and backing.
• Platform sole.
• Signature filigree motif on 4" covered wedge heel (see below).
• Made in Italy. $395, Neiman Marcus

Pollini Metallic Wedge Sandal

• Metallic bronze leather.
• Crisscross upper.
• Platform sole.
• 3" covered wedge heel.
• Made in Italy. $295, Neiman Marcus

Alejandro Ingelmo Double-Layered Leather Wedge

• Taupe leather.
• Gold-tone piping.
• Buckled ankle strap.
• Wooden platform sole.
• 3 3/4" covered wedge heel.
• Made in Italy. Neiman Marcus $440

MARC by Marc Jacobs
Leather Wedge Sandal

• Black leather.
• Ankle strap with side zip.
• Wooden platform sole.
• Stacked demi-wedge heel.
• Made in Italy. Neiman Marcus $395

Taryn Rose Quilted Leather Flat

We used to love Taryn Rose shoes and in the last couple of years we haven’t been loving them. These are cute, but I don’t know if I could wear them, since we need a buckle or something to hold our foot in.

• Red quilted nappa leather.
• Leather and rubber sole.
• 1/2" stacked heel.
• Made in Italy. Neiman Marcus $425


About Taryn Rose:
Orthopedic surgeon Taryn Rose began her footwear company in 1997, after years of research on foot pain resulting from ill-fitting shoes. Rose's clinical experience and sense of current style combine to create footwear ergonomically designed for a comfortable fit, yet sophisticated enough for professional looks.

Katie Couric & Friends Bowled to “Strike Out Colon Cancer”

Fundraiser for Colon Cancer Research and Awareness Programs
Launched 300 New York Entertainment Center at Chelsea Piers

For each of the first 150 strikes bowled, 300 New York donated $1000
to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s
National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance


Who: Host Katie Couric, with guests Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Botti, Grey’s Anatomy’s James Pickens, The Sopranos’ Steve Schirripa, Vincent Curatola, and John Ventimiglia, Project Runway’s Nick Verreos, RuPaul, Robert Verdi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Heatherette’s Traver Rains and Richie Rich and many others…

What: The “Strike Out Colon Cancer” fundraiser launched 300 New York, Manhattan’s newest bowling and entertainment center, located at Chelsea Piers. The event benefited the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (EIF’s NCCRA), which was co-founded by Katie Couric.

For each of the first 150 strikes bowled, 300 New York donated $1000 to EIF’s NCCRA.

EIF’s NCCRA funds promising research and public awareness programs to help fight this country’s #2 cancer killer, which is largely preventable through proper screening.

When: Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Where: 300 New York
Chelsea Piers/Pier 60


Photo: In this photo provided by the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, Katie Couric and actor Steve Schirripa, a member of the cast of cable television's 'The Sopranos,' take part in a celebrity bowling fundraiser for colon cancer research Wednesday, May 9, 2007 in New York. Couric, who hosted the event, is a co-founder of the group . (AP Photo/Bob Jones, National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance)

Love This Article from Salon!

God save the queen!


I'm as common as commoners come. I don't know how to curtsy. Plus, I'm Irish American; we don't much like royalty. But I felt sorry for Britain's Queen Elizabeth this week. President Bush sent forth his minions to spin wildly about how hard he was cramming for his big state event with her this week. But then he goes and flubs his scripted lines, winks at her in mock-apology, and and finally cracks, stupidly: "She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child."

Bush's bizarre off-message ad-lib reminded this casual Californian what protocol is good for: avoiding inappropriate personal and political slips in public settings. Even worse than Bush's wink was his turning the horrified queen into his mother, summoning up his own relationship with tough, disapproving Barbara, and the queen's own strained ties with Prince Charles (I know I shouldn't think of Stephen Frears' wonderful "The Queen" as literal history, but who can help it?)

Plus, it's not the first time Bush embarrassed himself in front of Queen Elizabeth. The last time she visited, in 1991 when his father was president, Barbara Bush made sure her frat-boy son was seated far away from the queen so he couldn't act out. He did anyway, telling Queen Elizabeth that he was the "black sheep" of the Bush family and asking who was the black sheep in hers. "None of your business," the queen replied famously. You could see that she remembered the exchange in the icy look she gave the president before, during and after his callow wink at her yesterday. And Bush didn't seem to give a damn. "The 'black sheep' is now president, lady," his smirk seemed to say, "and you and and my mom can go to hell."

There were so many telling details around the queen's visit, but aside from his gaffe on Monday, I also paused over this: According to at least two breathless stories in the New York Times, Laura Bush was the driving force behind the big state event. She even insisted that it be the occasion for the White House's first and perhaps only white-tie event in two Bush terms. "We thought if we were ever going to have a white-tie event," Mrs. Bush told the Times, "this would be the one." Then she confessed she had to enlist the help of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (who once famously referred to Bush as "my husband") to make sure the president actually wore a white tie. The queen, his mother, his wife, his secretary of state -- he's not going to let any of those women push him around! Except maybe Condi.

He's a sad little man, that George W. Bush.

-- Joan Walsh.

British Food is NOT Bad

Lips are smacking, taste buds are tingling and mouths are watering as BBC AMERICA serves up some of the UK’s most popular contemporary cooking shows each weekday starting at noon. From Monday, June 4 BBC AMERICA presents the U.S. premiere of Daily Cooks at 12noon ET/9:00 a.m. PT and Rick Stein’s Food Heroes at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT. The Good Food block continues with the channel premiere of The Naked Chef at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT and encore presentations of MasterChef Goes Large at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT.



DAILY COOKS – U.S. PREMIERE

Host Antony Worrall Thompson has graced British TV screens for over a decade. As well as being one of the UK’s leading TV cooks, this well-seasoned chef owns a fleet of restaurants and has published a library of cookery books. Each day Anthony, or Wozza as he’s known to friends, welcomes expert cooks – including infamous restaurant owner Jean Christophe Novelli - and wine connoisseurs into his kitchen to help prepare a mouthwatering meal guaranteed to tickle viewers’ tastebuds.



Viewers are encouraged to try the recipe at home that same night along with one of the wines recommended to compliment the meal. Scrumptious dishes include Lamb with Leeks and Pangratto, Gazpacho Salad and Pineapple Carpaccio with Ginger and Chili Syrup.

Premieres June 4 at 12noon ET/9:00 a.m. PT



RICK STEIN’S FOOD HEROES - U.S. PREMIERE

BBC AMERICA introduces celebrated seafood chef Rick Stein in a mouth-watering new show that takes a gastronomic tour of the British Isles.



“We scour the world for flavours and inspiration and we’ve lost sight of our own gastronomic heritage,” says Rick. “We just don’t make enough use of local produce. We need to appreciate what we have on our doorstep.



“This series is all about appreciating the things I hold dear. It’s a sort of culinary road map of Britain … like those old illustrated ones from the ‘50s with a plump black turkey for Norfolk, steaming bowls of hot pot for Lancashire and a golden pasty and a dish of cream for Cornwall.”



Rick’s journey begins at Land’s End in Cornwall, where he sets out his agenda for the season. Rick travels around the area where he meets local quality producers, goes on a pigeon shoot, pays homage to the pasty (a local delicacy), fishes for mackerel off the coast and samples clotted cream and saffron cakes in east Cornwall. Finally, Rick ventures over the landmark Tamar Bridge to end the show with a delicious plate of fish and chips at the Start Bay Inn in Devon.



Culinary highlights include forgotten dishes such as pigeon and peas and a delicious
langoustine and clotted cream quiche.

Premieres Monday, June 4 at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT



THE NAKED CHEF – CHANNEL PREMIERE

Young, streetwise and passionate about food, Jamie Oliver is at the cutting edge of modern life and modern cooking. In The Naked Chef, Jamie demonstrates his technique of stripping restaurant recipes down to their bare essentials as he prepares delicious meals for family and friends.



One of the UK’s most popular young chefs, Jamie’s inimitable style mixes professional training with an infectious energy and enthusiasm for food. The Naked Chef has shown a generation of amateur cooks how dining at home can be a fun, sociable event with maximum flavor and minimum effort.

Premieres Monday, June 4 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT


MASTERCHEF GOES LARGE

Years before Top Chef and Hell’s Kitchen arrived on U.S. television, the BBC’s MasterChef held a weekly challenge to find Britain’s best amateur cook. Now in an extended format, MasterChef Goes Large is back with a cooking competition like no other. Thousands of amateur cooks, from stockbrokers and hairdressers to bar owners and real estate brokers, of all ages and backgrounds, who think they have what it takes to become a top restaurant chef, have applied to the show. Auditions produce ninety-six contestants who all start out with equal determination and ambition to win the coveted career-changing title of MasterChef. But, at the end of each episode, the judges decide who goes through to the next level and, inevitably, competition heats up as people are sent home. After a number of grueling challenges - cooking backstage for millionaire rock stars, making lunch for 600 marines on a battleship and working in a Michelin-starred restaurant – four amateur cooks make it to the final. Which of them will have enough talent – and stamina - to win the title?

Premieres Monday, June 4 at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT.

Shark Week Back For Summer

Shark Week, cable television's longest-running programming event, is not just "television" but is a summertime ritual.

Shark Week, will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Discovery Channel this summer with top-rated shark programs -– including eight all-new specials --filling the network's entire weekly schedule from 9AM to 3AM (ET/PT) between Sunday, July 29 and Saturday, August 4.

Eight all-new Shark Week, premieres will air during the 9PM (ET/PT) hour. These primetime programs document and examine the unique behavior and diversity of the ocean's top predator, and explain the best techniques for surviving an encounter with a shark. Shark Week primetime kicks off with the Sunday, July 29 two-hour special "Ocean of Fear: Worst Shark Attack Ever," which tells the gripping real-life story of the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis in 1945.

Shark Week fans will also have the opportunity to help program this year's lineup by voting for their favorite "Viewers Choice" programs, selected from 10 of the highest-rated Shark Week programs of all time. The top vote-getters will air during the 8PM hour. Voting, via Discovery.com, will begin on May 25 and end on July 1.

First launched in 1988, Shark Week, was Discovery Channel's very first week-long event, designed to fulfill viewers' thirst for knowledge about the natural world, and to use the time between traditional television seasons to draw attention to the still-young network. The ratings shot up in that first year -- and Shark Week, shows no signs of slowing in popularity, remaining one of Discovery Channel's most popular annual events.

Last year, in 2006, Shark Week was watched by 20 million viewers.

Brittany Murphy said “I do” to British director Simon Monjack wearing two Platinum engagement rings by Neil Lane. Since they couldn’t decide on the ring, Brittany selected a Platinum and 5-carat diamond ring, and a Platinum and 6 1⁄2 carat diamond ring.

Oh Mama! Celeb Moms Get Gifted

Celebrity Moms such as Angelina Jolie, Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Leah Remini, Gwen Stefani, Brooke Shields, Reese Witherspoon, Faith Hill, Marcia Cross, Heidi Klum and 15 others.

What: Will receive a Mothers Day Gift Basket fron Distinctive Assets


When: May 7 11 (the week before Mothers Day)

Description: They say every mother is a working mother - and no one works it like some of our favorite celebrity moms! Now, lauded celebrity gifting firm Distinctive Assets has put together an amazing assortment of gifts to celebrate the dedication that these moms have for their children. We’v3 searched for new, unusual and useful items that will hopefully make their Mothers Day a little more special.


The Gifts: Every basket contains a fabulous assortment of
Items from cosmetics to designer handbags. Each of the gifts has been selected with our favorite moms in mind so we hope they will be delighted with our choices! A full listing of gifts is available below.

About Distinctive Assets: Credited for launching the craze of over-the-top celebrity swag at major award shows such as the GRAMMY.s, American Music Awards, Kids Choice, MTV Movie Awards, Latin GRAMMY.s, Academy of Country Music Awards, HBO Comedy Festival and other high profile events, Distinctive Assets is thrilled to help celebrate the proudest achievement of some of our favorite stars!

Gift List
Fly Girl Cosmetics Nail Polish Applicator
SmugMug Gift Certificate for Online Photo Services
Cosmetics Designer Maria Magdalena Custom-made Gemstone Cosmetics
Talktotheturtle.com Feng Shui Inspired Intention Tag Necklace
Elite Personal Physician Services, Inc./Dr. Cheryl BryantBruce, M.D.
Wellness Management Services & Gift Certificate for Botox or
Microdermabrasion
Naughty Mommy Body Care Bath & Body Products
The Sak
Leather Handbag
Coco Bonbons
Box of Chocolates Layette Collection, Raincoats & Coordinating Outfits
Tula and Tupi Handmade Childrens Clothing
Fling ONELESSBAG
friezeframes Sunglasses
Dirt Candles Candles
Dirty Baby Bath and Body Products
Lil Ewes Unique Home Delivery Service Gift Basket
Hot Mama Ink Tattoo Inspired Hoodie/Long Sleeve Tee
Aquafina Alive. WellnessWater
breathe by Heather Lounsbury
Gift Certificate for In-Home Acupuncture Services
iLove Syrup bumbi the never-miss-me-again doll
Dr. Ts Supergoop!
A to Z Supergoop! Sunscreen Collection
American Girl Place Los Angeles: American Girl Bitty Twin Dolls and a Table for Four at American Girl Place
Cafi in Los Angeles
cinda b Nifty Navy Overnighter
HTY Gold HTY Body Gold and HTY Cleansing Gold
Nail Infusions: Nail Spa Trio and Quick Fix 2-Go
HotFlops Assorted Fish and Fruit Flops
Key To My Heart Personalized Key Chain
Knork Flatware
Piccolini Gift Basket
Ameba Marketing
Baby Legs Leg Warmers and Tiny Love Developmental Toys
Contemporary Baby
Luxe Lovie Security Blanket
Oopsi Daisy
Canvas Art
Mom 4 Life


Gift Certificate and Gift Basket Containing:

ProudBody, Pregnancy Art Products

Matica Designs Whimsical Headbands & Hats

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier

The Wristlet Key Ring

Blankeaze by 2 Virtues

Baby Emi Jewelry

Cozy Cocoon, Baby Body Sock

La Costa
Gift Certificate for a two-night stay for two in a La Costa Suite with breakfast and spa treatments

Art of Beauty-Zoya
Zoya Professional Nail Lacquer


Born Out of Necessity
Leather Tote Bag



Amazing Catering
Chocolate Covered Strawberries and a Gift Certificate for a free
tasting and 30% an event

Studio Minou Necklace


Carefree Totally Smooth Leg Creme


Chariot Carriers Courgar 1-Child Carrier; Jogging Kit; Strolling Kit; Cargo Rack Cycling Kit

Whitney English Paper Stationery

Alphabet Candles Candles and Cell Phone Straps

Akhassa Varada 3 Piece Gift Set with Hand Cream, Hand Scrub and Hand Towel

Bobobaby 1 Case of Baby Food and an Organic Cotton Baby Hat

Dana Classics
Loves Baby Soft Showers of Loves Body Wash;
Loves Baby Soft SilkySoft in Loves Body Lotion;

Nail Infusions Nail Spa Trio; Nail Infusions Quick Fix 2-Go

Nova Host Makes TIME Mag List

TIME magazine's annual TIME 100 issue has designated astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson -- the engaging host of the NOVA scienceNOW tv series on PBS, author of the new book Death By Black Hole (Norton), and Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History -- as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. He's ranked in the Time 100's Scientists & Thinkers category. The issue hit stands today.

In the piece, writer Michael Lemonick calls Tyson the Carl Sagan of the 21st century, "as long as you envision a Sagan who's muscular, African American and as cool as his predecessor was geeky." See more text in the URL below:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1595329_1616157,00.html

Neil deGrasse Tyson
Host, NOVA scienceNOW
Director of the Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History

An astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson was appointed the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in 1995. His research interests include star formation, dwarf galaxies, and the structure of our Milky Way. Dr. Tyson has authored eight books, including Death by Black Hole and Just Visiting This Planet, a Q&A on the universe for all ages, and his memoir, The Sky Is Not The Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist. Tyson, a graduate of New York City's Bronx High School of Science, studied physics at Harvard before receiving his doctorate in astrophysics from Columbia University. Born and raised in the Big Apple, he now makes his home there with his wife and two children.

"Reveal"ing New Series

BBC America Reveals is a brand-new weekly documentary slot starting this June, Sunday nights at 10:00 p.m. Packed with intriguing celebrity profiles, Royal specials and real-life stories, this new programming block shines a light on contemporary Britain.



The first story, The Real Queens of England, reveals the true stories of men who love glitter and glamour. The documentary follows a collagen-lipped mother’s boy, a man whose wife of twenty years doesn’t mind his sequin-studded gowns, a very fussy fashion stylist who pitches a fit on camera and political correspondent Pink Peter, a ladies’ man who, in his pink Mercedes, out-pinks even Barbie. But men with powder puffs are not all necessarily gay — find out all about the beautifully camp men of Britain.

The Real Queens of England premieres Sunday, June 3, 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.



On Father’s Day, BBC AMERICA looks into the relationship between two internationally famous men who happen to be father and son. Charles & William: Royal Rivals? is a special look at Prince Charles and Prince William — both future Kings of England. The documentary explores the close relationship they enjoy, but also their surprisingly different upbringings and outlooks on life. Will William’s character and public opinion lead to William ascending to the throne ahead of his father, creating a damaging rivalry?

Charles & William: Royal Rivals? premieres Sunday, June 17, 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.



Love Me, Love My Doll focuses on a group of men who have fallen in love with their life-size dolls, called “Real Dolls.” For these men, their $10,000 lifelike, built-to-order creations have replaced human women. Get personal with these men as they welcome you into their homes and give you a peek at their lives with synthetic dreamgirls.

Love Me, Love My Doll premieres Sunday, June 24, 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Cameron Diaz in 7 For All Mankind Roxanne’s in Mercer

Hot Handbag

Audrey Hobo Leather Bag by A.Che is available in midnight black, rich vanilla & cream leather with small knotted accents of pale leather trim and tassels. Measuring Height 10.5”, Width 20.5”, Diameter 2”, it’s available at select boutiques for $750. www.a-che.com

Escada Opening

On May 3, 2007, Hilary Swank and other celebrities came to support the ESCADA Beverly Hills Store Opening Celebration hosted by Swank and Vogue magazine. The stylish ladies were red-carpet ready in the following Escada fashions:

Hilary Swank The Reaping

The Oscar Award winning actress was stunning in a bottle green liquid sequin strapless cocktail dress from the Fall 2007 collection.

Naomi Watts King Kong

Watts, expecting her first baby, wore a custom-made eggplant chiffon pleated Grecian inspired off the shoulder dress.

Maria Bello Thank You For Smoking

Bello wore a brown satin 3/4 sleeve cowl neck dress with chartreuse sash tie from the Fall 2007 collection.

Angela Bassett Akeelah and the Bee

Bassett a navy blue cocktail dress accented with a modern bow drop waist, pleated front and pockets.

Geena Davis Commander in Chief

Davis wore a black matte silk pencil dress with cream chiffon pleated v-neck bust.

Marley Shelton Grindhouse

The Grindhouse star wore a black silk jersey plunging neck gown highlighted by a silver crystal detailed front and a diamond shaped open back.

Gabrielle Union Running with Scissors

Union chose a black tulle strapless party dress with white satin embroidered bust.

Sophia Bush One Tree Hill

Bush chose a brown and black cap sleeve dress with striped detailing from the Pre-Fall 2007 collection.

Sanaa Lathan Nip/Tuck

Lathan showed off her curves in a black & silver beaded and embroidered strapless cocktail dress.

Melissa George The Amityville Horror

George wore a white sophisticated tuxedo suit with Swarovski crystal button.

Lauren Graham Gilmore Girls

Graham, who's show has just been canceled, wore a white and gold brocade pencil skirt paired with a sparkling gold dolman sleeve sweater from the Pre-Fall 2007 collection.

Amerie Singer

R&B singer Amerie, glittered in an iridescent zebra print cocktail dress accented with clear Swarovski crystal trim.

Devon Aoki Sin City

Aoki, who was in "Sin City," wore a nude knit pleated mini dress accented with tied waist.

Ana Ortiz Ugly Betty

This Ugly Betty co-star, who will marry this summer, sparkled in a long sleeve plunging neck silver pencil dress.

Shiva Rose Actress

Rose chose a black lace pencil dress accented with black beading.

30 years later … Star Wars: Why It Endures, Why We Need It ... And Why It’s Still Such Fun
Newt Gingrich, Nancy Pelosi, Dan Rather, Peter Jackson,
Camille Paglia and Other Thought Leaders Discuss the Charm, Enduring Impact and Mythic Underpinnings in Two-Hour Special

Star Wars™: The Legacy Revealed On The History Channel®
World Premiere Monday, May 28, 2007 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed

Thirty years ago, an unheralded film known as Star Wars opened in theaters and took audiences on a groundbreaking journey to a galaxy far, far away. It instantly seized the public’s imagination, and three decades later still claims that grasp.

Now, a new special from The History Channel seeks to understand why the emotional impact of the Star Wars Saga remains as relevant as ever. The two-hour special, Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed, is a World Premiere on The History Channel on Monday, May 28 at 9pm ET/PT.

Through interviews with politicians, academics, journalists and critics – all of whom weigh in on the enduring appeal of George Lucas’s creations – the special demonstrates that Star Wars isn’t just a high-action adventure in space. It’s a remarkably complex and sophisticated story about power, politics, sin, spirituality and redemption—almost Shakespearean in its power, humor, presentation and influence.

The special makes the argument that Star Wars’ intensely compelling stories—borrowed from diverse traditions, from Greek mythology and American westerns to the Bible and even Vaudeville—compel us to explore some of the biggest questions of our time. Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed explores that view through interviews with politicians, academics, journalists and critics, who all weigh in on the creations of George Lucas. The special shows how seldom a movie can make us laugh and think about our role in the universe—which may be why it has stood the test of time.

“The enduring appeal of Star Wars,” says Tom Brokaw, “is that it’s this vastly entertaining piece of cinema that also leaves you … with the idea that there are some real issues out there that we ought to be thinking about—good and evil, and right and wrong, and heroism. Generations of people a long time from now will be enthralled by it, just as we are enthralled by the story of Robin Hood or King Arthur’s Court or any of the Shakespearean tales.”

The special unites a diverse group of high-profile Star Wars fans, from filmmakers to politicians to journalists. Their comments punctuate the still jaw-dropping footage from all six episodes of the Star Wars Saga.

“The idea of the underdog who’s on the right side defeating the overdog who’s on the wrong side is a deeply American mythology,” says former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who climbed a high political fence to agree with current Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the movies’ impact. Says Pelosi: “The legacy of George Lucas fits very comfortably among the classics of all time, whether ancient or modern. “

Adds Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson: “You don’t even have to ask, ‘Will it stand the test of time?’ It has and it will.”

This action-adventure film with lighthearted moments and touching purity, demands that we focus on current fundamental themes, including environmentalism, racism and the temptations of power and greed. As author Carl Silvio notes, at times the movies seem prophetic: “In Revenge of the Sith, when we hear Anakin say, ‘You’re either with me or against me,’ it’s almost impossible not to hear that quote and think of another very famous quote,” a point the special underscores with a clip of President George W. Bush’s November 2001 news-conference quote: “You are either with us or you are against us in the fight against terror.”

The dichotomies of good vs. evil and mechanism vs. humanity is apparent throughout the movies, which carry themes of politics and power. In the Star Wars universe, dictators are ruthless yet charismatic, and while some politicians are well-meaning, as Princess Leia Organa demonstrates, leaders are born from courage and conviction, not from gender.

With regard to other kinds of power, C-3PO and R2-D2 demonstrate that machines can be beneficial, while the feared Death Star shows us their danger. The Ewoks, instrumental in the eventual defeat of the Empire, remind us that natural, environmental solutions have as much as (or more) power than man-made ones. That the movies are fun only gives their central questions and observations more credence

How long will that endure? “A hundred years from now,” says Joan Breton Connelly, an associate professor of fine arts at New York University, “someone will be sitting here discussing the impact of Star Wars and they will be seeing different things in it than we are seeing today, just as today we have classes in the university on Homer.”

Filmmaker Kevin Smith: “It is bad guys versus good guys and everyone wants to see that story. That story will never grow tired, never grow old.”



Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed is produced by Prometheus Entertainment in association with Lucasfilm Ltd. Executive Producer is Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Kevin Burns (Empire of Dreams, Look, Up in the Sky!). Executive Producer for The History Channel is Beth Dietrich Segarra.

June Carter Cash : Her Story

For millions of fans around the world, June Carter Cash was the endearing mountain-born pioneer of country music who basked in the stage spotlight for over fifty years and was associated with such timeless standards as "Ring of Fire" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" To her loved ones and friends, she was an "angel of Appalachia," a radiant light and a driving force that unified her family through thick and thin--her favorite phrase was "press on." She enjoyed a creative, fruitful partnership with husband Johnny Cash and was an invaluable, talented member of the Carter Family, but the late performing and songwriting legend has surprisingly never been the subject of her own full-length biography . . . until now.

Anchored in Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash (Thomas Nelson) is an inside, personal look at the accomplished life of June Carter Cash, as seen through the eyes of her only child with Johnny Cash--John Carter Cash. With skillful prose, Cash covers the peaks of her career--from her early fame with the Carter Family to her two-time Grammy Award-winning album Wildwood Flower in 2003. He offers a personal, rich retelling of her private life as well--chronicling her childhood in Appalachia, her failed marriages, her romance with Johnny Cash, and the many other ups and downs that followed, including the never-before-told story of her own drug addiction in the last years of her life. Throughout, the book paints a dramatic portrait of struggle and success, and how the power of true love can overcome all obstacles. Cash also reveals brand-new information about his mother from his own tender memories and heartwarming stories, as well as anecdotes from celebrity friends and other family members, including previously untold details about June and Johnny's final days before their deaths in 2003.

The book will be published June 19, 2007--a few days before what would have been her seventy-eighth birthday.

"I hope through these pages, people may come to know my mother in some of the ways I have known her, that though they may read of her pain, they will see her strength and beauty, most of all," says John Carter Cash.

June Carter Cash was born into one of the first families of country music--the Carter Family-in the rugged mountains of Maces Springs, Virginia on June 23, 1929. Onstage at a very young age, she performed with her mother, Maybelle Carter, and her two sisters. With their pure, rootsy songs of Americana, the group was warmly welcomed all around the country. Despite her lovely voice, June felt that she could barely carry a tune, so she compensated by using her down-home sense of humor to make audiences laugh. Along with her beautiful autoharp strumming, charismatic dancing, over-the-top character imitations and savvy skills in promoting sponsors' products, she was the perfect entertainer and a consummate professional.

As June matured, her confidence and spirit gained lots of admirers, including popular guitarist and singer Johnny Cash in the late 1950s. Intriguingly, the book discusses the possibility of another suitor: Elvis Presley, with whom Cash had a rivalry over the years. She and Elvis were said to have a mutual attraction when they were on the road together, and once the tour was over, he would stay over her house to "rest," according to her first husband. Either way, it was a fleeting romance. Her kinship to Johnny would prove to be very powerful and June would become his helpmate and closest companion. As depicted in the recent Oscar-winning film, "Walk the Line"--for which John Carter Cash was the executive producer--their courtship was lengthy, since both were separated from their own respective spouses and had children. They ended up being married for forty years, through tragedy and triumph.

In this book John Carter Cash sheds insight on life in the Cash household. He was very close to his mom, who ensured that he was treated by his six older half sisters as their little brother--there were no "halves" and "steps" in the Cash family. She was also a tender mother, who was always forgiving of her kids' errors and misdeeds. John Carter describes joyful experiences with his parents, such as meeting noted celebrities and dignitaries like John Wayne and Anwar Sadat, and working as a producer on his mom's last few albums. Yet he also discusses his tragic, near-death incidents, including a car accident and being held at gunpoint at their mansion in Jamaica, while his parents watched in horror.

The Cash family may have seemed like the country equivalent of Camelot, but as this memoir reveals, drugs were an underlying force. In addition to Johnny's storied dalliances with prescription drugs from the 1960s to the end of his life, which would lead to heated fights and friction between he and June--all of June's own children--Rosey, Carlene, and John Carter--developed problems with drugs and/or alcohol, and June was supportive as they battled their worst demons. Yet most shockingly, the book reveals that June, too, battled with her own addiction to pain killers, starting in 1993 and lasting right up to her death. Her son talks about how she braved chronic pain in her legs and suffered a back injury earlier in life, which may have contributed to her strong dependence on pills. Lastly, he talks about the impact of his dad's addictions on their lives through new, choice anecdotes: He describes one particular incident in the 1980s when he shared a hotel room with his dad and noticed his uneven breathing during his sleep. John Carter was afraid that his father had died, and he and his mom had to drag Johnny into the shower to revive him.

Dealing with her family's addictions, June was a source of stability, guidance and spirituality. It was she who initiated Johnny's first intervention in 1983 and would help encourage him to clean up by reading him psalms from the Bible. Says John Carter in the story, "Mom was loving and generous, thoughtful and caring, and she could always find a reason to look up, to believe that the best in a person would eventually come out . . . It was as if she could see through the veil of misery. Although the spirit of disease might torment her loved ones, sometimes making us hard and vicious, she saw beyond that ugliness into the heart of her child and husband, finding the beauty within us."

The publication of Anchored in Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash (Thomas Nelson) coincides with the release of an all-star tribute CD, Anchored In Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash (Dualtone Music Group) which was conceived and produced by John Carter Cash. The 12-track disc features songs written by or associated with the beloved singer and performed by an eclectic collection of family and friends that include Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Ralph Stanley, Brad Paisley, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Billy Joe Shaver, The Peasall Sisters and Billy Bob Thornton, Rosanne Cash, Carlene Carter and Ronnie Dunn, Grey DeLisle, Patty Loveless and Kris Kristofferson. The album will be released June 5, 2007.

End (For Real) of 7th Heaven

The series finale of 7th Heaven airs on Sunday, May 13, 2007 from 8 p.m.-9 p.m.

Click on this link for a slideshow:
http://cwtv.com/images/press/7th_Heaven_Slideshow.mov

Today on the View

Rosie O'Donnell: "655,000 innocent Iraqis killed."
Elisabeth Hasselbeck: "That's unfortunate."